Chris Gayle has been sacked as West Indies captain and replaced by Darren Sammy. The West Indies Cricket Board announced the decision when naming the squad for the tour of Sri Lanka.

"We are at the dawn of a new era in West Indies cricket and the selection committee has entrusted the challenging job of captaincy to Darren Sammy because it is believed that he has demonstrated the attributes of a leader of this diverse group of men," said Clyde Butts, the selection committee chairman.

Gayle, who has been captain since 2007, is still in the squad as a batsman with Brendan Nash named as vice-captain for the Tests in Sri Lanka.

"Chris Gayle, the former captain, led the West Indies during a challenging period and the board thanks him for stepping up then but it is now time to pass the mantle on as the West Indies rebuilds," said Dr Ernest Hilaire, the WICB chief executive.

The team are seventh in the Test rankings and eighth in the world in the one-day format and the WICB is hoping the 26-year-old all-rounder Sammy can inspire an improvement.

Sammy himself is excited at being handed the opportunity to oversee a new era in West Indies cricket.

"Being appointed West Indies captain is an honour and distinction which I will treat with the highest regard and dignity," Sammy said. "I believe my captaincy of the Windward Islands, a young team which I have been moulding into playing consistently competitive cricket, will stand me in good stead as West Indies captain as we work on building a team for the future.

"I have always given my all when I prepare and play for the West Indies and nothing will change now. I know this will be a difficult challenge and I will take the torch from Chris and hold it high as we forge ahead.

"I have been playing for the West Indies since 2004 and over those six years I have built strong relationships with many players and I expect to have the full support of the squad."

Sammy's first assignment is a tour of Sri Lanka which features three Tests, five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 clash.